Ince Ready To Make Under-21s Bow

Thomas Ince says he’s enjoying every minute of his international experience, as he prepares for his first taste of England Under-21 action this afternoon.

Stuart Pearce’s side take on Azerbaijan in Baku (kick-off 4pm BST) before returning home to take on Norway at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on Monday.

“It’s been fantastic,” Ince said.

“You can see the quality in the squad, we’ve some fantastic players in this team and I’ve enjoyed every minute. Everybody has made me feel welcome, obviously it’s my first call-up to the Under 21s and I’m sure me and Ben Marshall have found it very easy to settle in. I’ve enjoyed every minute and long may it continue.”

Ince and his England team-mates (including new Seasiders signing Nathan Delfouneso) made the seven hour journey to the Eastern European nation on Monday and have been training on an artificial pitch in preparation for the game at the Dalga Stadium. The 20-year-old admits that it’s been a struggle to adapt to his new surroundings.

“It’s tough. [The pitch] is very different to what all the lads train on normally every week but it’s something you have to adapt to. You have to get used to moving the ball around and playing on that type of pitch.

“It’s all part of being a professional footballer and playing for your country. There’s countries all over Europe where you’re going to have to do these type of trips and you have get used to the food and the time-zone that we’re in.

“We can’t put that down as an excuse, we have to just keep working hard, rest up where we can and be ready for [Azerbaijan].”